enraptured - Master This Word
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enraptured Word Meanings
- to delight or enchant someone intensely
- to fill with ecstatic joy
- to captivate completely
enraptured Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
enraptured Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈræptʃə/
US
/ɪnˈræptʃɚ/
enraptured Word Etymology
en- = cause to be, rapture = carry away; Origin: Latin -> Old French -> English. Imagine a performer on stage captivating the audience so much that they forget everything, completely entranced.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Enrapture describes a forceful, almost magical delight that takes hold of a person, causing intense joy and complete absorption. It often refers to performances, art, or experiences that dominate attention and sweep away worries. In use, you can say the audience, a performer, or a moment is enrapturing. The word is strong and formal; in everyday speech people usually say delight, fascinate, or enthrall. Some learners confuse enrapture with rapture in a religious or ecstatic sense; here the emphasis is on captivating someone rather than a personal trance. Common collocations include be enraptured by something, an enrapturing performance, or to enrapture someone with a tale. It conveys a vivid, total immersion rather than simple happiness.
Usage Reminders
- Be enraptured by something; use with by or with; pair with a subject that is captivated; avoid overuse in casual speech; remember it is formal and literary; practice with reviews or critiques.
Common Misconceptions
- It is not the same as rapture in a religious sense.
- It describes a person's reaction, not the person themselves being caused to depart.
- It is formal; everyday alternatives exist (fascinate, enthrall).
- Do not use with passive 'raptured' as a noun.
- Often confused with 'rapture' as a noun meaning ecstasy; check context.
Thinking Differences
English tends to use enrapture for dramatic, immersive effect; learners should know it's not a casual synonym for 'delight' and is often used in review or literary prose.
Learning Tips
- 1) Practice be enraptured by X in past and present.
- 2) Pair with by/with to show what captivates someone.
- 3) Compare with enthrall, fascinate, delight to feel nuance.
- 4) Read reviews or criticism to see formal tone.
- 5) Use active subjects who cause the enrapture (the actor, the story).
- 6) Watch for overuse in everyday speech; reserve for impact.
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